VILNIUS, November 28. /Dunyo IA/. Cultural events were held in the Lithuanian cities of Visaginas and Vilnius to mark the 24th anniversary of the establishment of the Uzbek Cultural Center in Lithuania and the 34th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The main ceremony in the city of Visaginas was attended by the Mayor, Erlands Galagus, and Deputy Mayor, Aleksandra Grigiene. They highlighted the contribution of the Uzbek diaspora to fostering interethnic friendship and the community’s active engagement in city life. The significance of the Uzbek Cultural Center in Lithuania’s multicultural society was also underlined.

It should be noted that since 19 April 2022, the cities of Navoi (Uzbekistan) and Visaginas (Lithuania) have been officially twinned and collaborate across various sectors. These ties are reflected in joint cultural and humanitarian initiatives.

The event was also attended by Sadriddin Turabjanov, Chairman of the “Uzbekistan – Lithuania” Friendship Society, and Mohichehra Shomuratova, Honored Artist of Uzbekistan. As part of the cultural program, the audience enthusiastically enjoyed performances showcasing Uzbek national art and musical heritage.

Rasa Paliukienė from Department of National Minorities at the Lithuanian government noted that the active engagement of the Uzbek diaspora, the initiatives of the Cultural Center, and the friendly relations with Uzbekistan contribute to fostering a culture of mutual respect and dialogue within society.

The events held in the two cities contributed to strengthening friendly relations between Uzbekistan and Lithuania, including in the fields of diaspora engagement, culture, and humanitarian cooperation. Participants of the celebrations were treated to vivid experiences reflecting the spirit of national traditions, art, and friendship.